Best travel purse

Yes,, go shopping. You do not need a "travel purse" you need a purse that tickes a few boxes,, it should have a secure full closure system, mine has a top zipper , but also has a full flap that goes over the zipper and clicks shut( a secure click, not magnetic).
It should have a strap that is long enough and wide enough to comfortable wear over your body cross wise, a wide strap is comfiest. I prefer a nylon bag to leather for travels , simply because nylon bags are lighter . My bag also has zippered inside compartments .. so to be pickpocketed there are three lines of defence, the flap, the zipper and then the inside zipper, and no, one does not need the bag to be one of those heavy metal lined ones,, yikes. Mine is a cheap Derek Alexander, I have used it for last 5 trips, its great,, but there are many many out there just as good. Find a bag you like that fits your stuff.

I use a cross body bag from Kipling. It is the Lancelot model. My iPad fits in the main compartment. There are other sections for other items too. The main compartment and front compartment both zip and then a flap goes over the zippers and latches. There is an easy to access section on the back that zips. I have been using this bag for about 6 years, even for every day. It still looks like new. Mine is black, but it comes in a variety of colors. It isn't huge, but holds the iPad, guide book, water bottle, sunglasses, camera and more.

I use an Ameribag while traveling and now also at home; here's the link: http://www.ameribag.com/classic-healthy-back-bag/. The microfiber version weighs almost nothing, the internal organization is particuarly handy while traveling, and the zipper is by my body rather than exposed. It distributes weight in such a way that I can carry much more than in a typical shoulder bag, with no pain. And what's particularly handy in traveling... I've never had to check it, even when I've watched guards require that smaller back-pack-style purses be checked.

GIG 'EM!!! WHOOP!!! Now that that's out of the way... I use the RS Veloce bag both for travel and daily use at home. He recently came out with (and I recently bought) the 2" taller/1" shallower size designed for iPads (currently on sale on this website - yea!). The dedicated iPad compartment is padded front, back, and bottom. Yes, it's got a bit of that 'travel daybag' look to it, but that's OK with me. I keep everything you mentioned in it, plus it will hold a 16oz bottle of water inside (no outside water pocket - a little less travel bag-ish?) I wish the newer bag was 2 1/2" deep, just like the original, esp. since now there's a padded divider in the main compartment further decreasing the amount of usuable space (when you aren't carrying an iPad, etc.). Nobody ever asks me about these things ;-) EDIT: I forgot - the new Veloce Bag does have an expansion zipper; you get about an inch. Yea! Sorry 'bout the previous rant (hanging head in shame).

I've had many and this one is now my favorite: http://www.baggallini.com/the-collections/classic/big-zipper-bagg/

I'm going to second checking out Baggalini. I really like their bags. I've use small messenger bag from them. It's like a quarter size and goes cross body and include a lovely simpered compartment for a iPad. Pam

I have bought two different travel bags at the Magellan travel store. You can look their catalog up on-line at Magellan.com. The newer one I bought can hold a computer/I-pad, etc. It is a very light weight and yet practical tote.

I love Maruca bags...do not look like a travel purse. They are fabric and come in lots of styles and sizes. I like one of the smaller ones that cross over your body as they are sort of small and can be held close and feel safe for me as I do not use a money belt. I love the different patterns, they are really fun and can add a little color to the typical black or nuetral travel clothes.

if you do not want to look like a tourist, do not buy a purse. a messenger type bag is perfect. i bought one for $12 before i left. it was perfect. i could fit my camera, a bottle of water, a notebook, cigarettes and more inside. on the outside, on the back (that rested on my body) is where i kept my wallet.

Check out Day Makers of Santa Barbara. I recently purchased the 7-day organizer for my next trip to Europe.
I love all the special compartments. The best part is a padded shoulder strap and water bottle holder. Very happy with this product. Happy traveling.

what? carrying a purse isn't a tourist thing. most local women in europe carry purses. that said, a messenger bag is a good option.

Consider the PacSafe purses. The are tamperproof, slashproof and have an RFIDsafe blocking pocket to protect your keeps your identity and personal information safe from identity thieves. And has a pocket for an Ipad. Here is the link to one of the purses: http://pacsafe.com/citysafe-200-gii-anti-theft-shoulder-bag Another link: http://pacsafe.com/new-products

You might want to consider looking at Magellan Travel.com. They offer many travel safe purses. The tote bag I bought has a zipper and two rings that hook in the middle of the tote. It looks like a regular light weight tote bag, which I use as my purse. It can even hold an I-pad, as it has padding that can be removed. It has steel reinforcement through the straps. The Pac Safe purses mentioned can be bought there also. The store is located in Santa Monica or Santa Barbara, Calif. You can order anything they have on-line.

I loved my Ellington bag on our big tour last December. Held my tablet and everything else I needed for a day. I used it in messenger bag mode, not in the optional backpack mode. http://www.ellingtonhandbags.com/Home_2/Travel-Active-Lifestyle/Annie-Tote-Pack-Terra-Cotta. Variety of colors.

I too use the cross body Baggalini, in fact I have several of their bags for different purposes.

I'll throw in another endorsement for Kipling. I just got back from a trip and it was great. I have the Alvar model which can be worn cross body. It has two outside zippered pockets which are handy for maps and small items, plus an interior zippered pocket and interior pockets for phone, Ipod, etc. In the past, I've taken leather purse, but this time I decided I wanted something lighter in weight. It is extremely practical. This was tested when someone seated behind me in a Berlin movie theatre evidently spilled an entire beer. When I went to leave, I discovered my purse which was on the floor in front of me was completely soaked in beer. However, the material is evidently waterproof as nothing on the inside got wet. I was even able to soak the outside in water (again the inside stayed dry) when I got back to the apartment; it dried quickly, looks like new, and does not smell like stale beer.

My favorite travel (and every day) bag is the Longchamp Le Pliage bag. For you I would recommend the medium size with long handle version. They are super lightweight but can hold a lot if need be. They are also super easy to clean. They are a popular bag all over the world and especially in Europe so it defiantly doesn't scream tourist.